Michael Jordan, an illustrious figure in both sports and business, has recently made the purchase of a customized Gulfstream 650ER private jet, reportedly costing $70 million.
The Gulfstream 650ER is celebrated in the aviation industry for its impressive speed and range, earning accolades for being the fastest and farthest-flying aircraft in the niche of business aviation. This aircraft can quickly eat up approximately 8,630 miles, which allows non-stop travel from the eastern United States to far-flung locations such as Tokyo, without the need to refuel.
A key highlight of this private jet is its personal touches that honor Jordan’s storied career and brand legacy. The exterior is painted with a $500,000 custom silver-and-black paint job, carefully designed to mirror Jordan’s famous elephant-print sneakers. Moreover, the Jumpman logo, synonymous with his Air Jordan brand, is prominently displayed on the tail of the aircraft.
The tail number N236MJ is not simply a bureaucratic necessity but rather an homage to his basketball journey: with “23” being his iconic jersey number – also proudly part of the name of the NASCAR team he co-owns – “6” a nod to his six NBA championship titles, and “MJ” his own initials.
It’s not all luxury and elegance, though. There’s plenty of function alongside the form, and Jordan’s Gulfstream does not disappoint. Powered by two Rolls-Royce BR725 engines, the aircraft approaches speeds near Mach 1. Its interiors are no less impressive: lavish, leather reclining seats that can accommodate 19 passengers, and a dedicated crew of four ensure the comfort that the lies of Jordan would be expecting. The jet also features a private dining area, a fully equipped bar enhanced with LED lighting, and a private bedroom.
Owning such a marvel of aviation engineering involves significant operational costs, estimated at around $1.9 million annually for 200 flying hours, encompassing fuel, crew salaries, and insurance. Yet, it’s a manageable expense for Jordan, whose financial portfolio includes a net worth of approximately $3.5 billion.
Jordan has a strong penchant for luxury vehicles, with a recent acquisition of an exclusive $2 million Italian sports car.
Simultaneously, Jordan has managed to navigate successful real estate deals. His sprawling Illinois mansion, listed since 2012, has finally entered the sale process after originally being placed on the market at $29 million dollars. Boasting nearly 33,000 square feet, it was later lowered to $14.855 million in 2015. The price it is selling for has not yet been disclosed.
Alongside this news, Michael Jordan is wrapped up in a lawsuit with NASCAR. His team, 23XI – alongside Front Row Motorsports – has filed an antitrust lawsuit which accuses NASCAR of multiple anti-competitive actions.
“Everyone knows that I have always been a fierce competitor, and that will to win is what drives me and the entire 23XI team each and every week out on the track,” he said. “I love the sport of racing and the passion of our fans, but the way NASCAR is run today is unfair to teams, drivers, sponsors, and fans.
“Today’s action shows I’m willing to fight for a competitive market where everyone wins.”
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